garter

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'garter' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to a decorative band worn around the leg to hold up a stocking, or to a type of snake with distinctive markings. Example: The bride wore a delicate lace garter on her wedding day, passed down from her grandmother.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 1972, she made him a knight of the garter After 1968, Longford devoted himself to his campaigns and to publishing.

The Guardian

In the marble-lined lobby, a magnificent 19th-century statue of the then Duke of Norfolk in garter robes suggests that Sheffield's taste for expensive monuments has a long history.

The Economist

A Finnish journalist colleague invites Mr Brown to feel her thigh: she is wearing suspenders and a garter belt in what she coyly tells him is a protest against the church's repressive sexual mores.

The Economist

Lugging everything from garter belts to garden gnomes around in suitcases they have taken their ever- expanding collection all over the world.

The Economist

The phrase "Honi soit qui mal y pense" adorns a garter that loops around the British royal coat of arms.

The Economist

It enables its employees to haul themselves out of poverty by their garter straps, pay their way through university or subsidise their lowly public-sector incomes.

The Economist

And no fields that contain giant garter snakes may be allowed to dry out.Yet it is a crucial change.

The Economist

Asquith accepted a peerage as earl of Oxford and Asquith in 1925 and was created a knight of the garter shortly afterward.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Garter snake (genus Thamnophis), any of more than a dozen species of nonvenomous snakes having a striped pattern suggesting a garter: typically, one or three longitudinal yellow to red stripes, between which are checkered blotches.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Garter snakes are small to moderate in size usually less than 100 cm (39 inches) long and quite harmless.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The insignia of the order comprise the garter with the motto emblazoned on it, the star with St . Georges cross, and a collar with a badge representing St. George and the dragon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical contexts, be specific whether you are referring to the Order of the Garter or a garment. This avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "garter" casually when referring to the Order of the Garter. Always use the full term or a clear reference to avoid confusion with the garment.

Linguistic Context

The word "garter" primarily functions as a noun, denoting either a band worn around the leg to hold up a sock or stocking, or referring to the Most Noble Order of the Garter. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and common usage in both contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

50%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "garter" is a commonly used noun with two primary meanings: a band to hold up stockings and a British order of knighthood. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. The term appears most frequently in encyclopedic and news sources. When writing, it's crucial to clarify the intended meaning to avoid ambiguity, especially in historical or formal contexts. Remember that while "garter" is versatile, context dictates its formality and appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stocking fastener

Focuses specifically on the function of holding up stockings.

sock suspender

Highlights the support provided to socks rather than stockings.

hosiery strap

Highlights the strap component often used with garters to secure hosiery.

leg band

A more general term that describes a band worn around the leg, not necessarily for holding up clothing.

Order of the Garter insignia

Refers to the specific ceremonial item associated with the British order of chivalry.

Thamnophis

The scientific genus name for garter snakes, more formal and scientific.

supportive band

Emphasizes the function of providing support, applicable in broader contexts.

snake with stripes

Describes the visual characteristics of a garter snake in simple terms.

serpentine ribbon

Uses a more figurative language to describe the garter snake's appearance.

trouser stay

Indicates a device or strap used to secure trousers.

FAQs

How to use "garter" in a sentence?

Depending on the context, "garter" can refer to a band worn to hold up stockings or to the Order of the Garter. For example: "She wore a lace garter." or "He was appointed to the Order of the Garter".

What's the difference between a "garter" and a suspender?

A "garter" is a band worn around the leg to hold up a stocking or sock, while a suspender is a strap that extends from the waistband of trousers or a skirt over the shoulder to hold them up. "Suspenders" attach to the garment at multiple points whereas "garters" attach to the legs.

What is the significance of the Order of the Garter?

The Order of the Garter is the highest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom, founded by Edward III in 1348. It is a symbol of knighthood and is bestowed upon individuals recognized for their public service.

Is "garter snake" a venomous snake?

"Garter snakes" are non-venomous snakes, /s/non-venomous+snakes belonging to the genus Thamnophis, commonly found in North America. They are typically harmless to humans.